Notes for Class on October 28th, 2009-
*This page will be further updated in the future. This is just a generic outline for the time being.
-Students receive a packet containing multiple translations of Sappho's "God in my Eyes" poem. They then break into groups of three to complete an activity.
Activity Directions:
- read six versions of the same poem ("God in my Eyes")
- select key words in each version
- define the key words
- select one version as your favorite or the best and say why...
Notes given by Professor Nicosia and determined by the class discussion-
Sappho's poems translated from multiple languages (Greek, Italian, French, etc.)
Multiple translations each have unique interpretations
Word choice- different words have different meanings
Structure- variations of poem and sentence structure may alter the poems meaning
Some of the translated poems have been "modernized" (updated for contemporary society)
"Politicized": the LGBT community has taken excerpts of Sappho's poems to further their agenda
Phrases and word choice appeal more to modern readers
Questions for thought or discussion-
What is the validity of studying a translated poem?
What gives a person the authority to title another's poem?
Some examples were given titles by their translators. Are they appropriate?
Why did some translators feel it necessary to modernize the poem's content?
*This page will be further updated in the future. This is just a generic outline for the time being.
-Students receive a packet containing multiple translations of Sappho's "God in my Eyes" poem. They then break into groups of three to complete an activity.
Activity Directions:
- read six versions of the same poem ("God in my Eyes")
- select key words in each version
- define the key words
- select one version as your favorite or the best and say why...
Notes given by Professor Nicosia and determined by the class discussion-
Questions for thought or discussion-